Rome and Persia: The Seven Hundred Year Rivalry

The extraordinary history of the epic rivalry between the ancient world’s two great superpowers.

“Magnificent.” —Spectator

The Roman Empire was like no other. Stretching from the north of Britain to the Sahara, and from the Atlantic coast to the Euphrates, it imposed peace and prosperity on an unprecedented scale.  Its only true rival lay in the east, where the Parthian and then Persian empires ruled over great cities and the trade routes to mysterious lands beyond. This was the region Alexander the Great had swept through, creating a dream of glory and conquest that tantalized Greeks and Romans alike. 

Tracing seven centuries of conflict between Rome and Persia, historian Adrian Goldsworthy shows how these two great powers evolved together. Despite their endless clashes, trade between the empires enriched them both, and a mutual respect prevented both Rome and Persia from permanently destroying the other.  

Epic in scope, Rome and Persia completely reshapes our understanding of one of the greatest rivalries of world history. 

Adrian Goldsworthy received his DPhil in ancient history from Oxford and has taught at Cardiff University, King’s College, and the University of Notre Dame in London. He has appeared in documentaries for the BBC, National Geographic, and Discovery. The author of numerous books, including Caesar; Augustus; Philip and Alexander; and Pax Romana, he lives in South Wales, UK.